Game Profile

Heralded as the creator of the survival horror genre, Resident Evil 4 takes things a step further by not only revolutionising the series, but by re-inventing the action game genre.

Taking place years after the T-virus outbreak, the storyline and gameplay structure have dramatically changed to allow more emphasis on action. Players move through the game as Special Agent Leon S. Kennedy who is on a top secret mission. His investigation into the abduction of the President's daughter has led him to a mysterious location in Europe. As Leon encounters all new unimaginable horrors, he must find out who or what is behind this new nightmare.

The atmosphere has been greatly enhanced in Resident Evil 4 thanks to a new control method and intuitive camera. Gone are the signature fixed camera positions that gamers will be familiar with. Now the camera follows closely behind the player, allowing for more intuitive movement and shooting, which is enhanced with the newly added aim and shoot mechanic.

Certain moves are now only a single button press away thanks to the innovative action button. Players will be able to perform a selection of actions including kick, jump, dodge or even swim by pressing a certain button quickly after being prompted to do so on screen. This adds to the adrenalin-fuelled excitement of the game, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

The menacing enemies we are all familiar with have been replaced with a new darker breed of evil. Enhanced enemy AI (Artificial Intelligence) means that the enemies are faster, smarter and more dangerous than ever before. Instead of automatically appearing at a certain point, creatures will now stalk you, waiting until you are at your most vulnerable to attack. The new camera mode adds to the excitement as you can no longer see what is creeping up behind you until it is too late.

Things become even more creepy and atmospheric as you progress deeper into the game. The breathtaking graphics and effects give the game a deeper sense of realism than ever seen before on any home console. Coupled with chilling sound effects and creepy background music, Resident Evil 4 will reduce you to a quivering bundle of nerves in no time at all.

Get ready to turn down the lights, crank up the surround sound and immerse yourself in 2005's most atmospheric game yet. You are in for a frighteningly good time!

Game Review

Review

There, it has been said – that’s my stance on the latest in Capcom’s self proclaimed ‘Survival Horror’ genre. Action games, hell, most games in general will feel sluggish, dull and ultimately underwhelming after the onslaught of this games...

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User Comments (1)

I remember reading reviews of RE4 when it first came out, and wanting to throw them across the room whenever they said "gone are the tank-like controls." No, they're exactly the same: turn/run, stop/aim.

Didn't have anything to do with the other RE games. It has some cheesy action movie cliches like the villain electing not to kill Leon in the jillion chances he had and yet you're shooting at his minions who try to do just that afterward.

Brilliant game. I like the Wii version, actually. "Separate Ways" was a thing of genius and felt like hints of bringing back the scenario system of Resident Evil 2 which I'm so astonished, so few ever repeated that ingenious concept.

Actually I firmly believe Metroid Prime (the original) is the best game on the GameCube, but RE4 is #2.